There are many tutorials out there that tell you how to make a Google Cardboard so that you can immediately get into the VR action. You will find that this is useful for anything except most VR games, which are primarily based on the HTC Vive. One of the annoying parts about Google Cardboard is it is not friendly to those who want to use it on the go. Sure, you do have the option to add glasses-like flaps, which will secure it in place while you stand still, but we want something you can move with. Ironically, this is an easy addition, but, first, we’ll go ahead and point you in the direction to make your own Google Cardboard.
Determine the Size of Your Phone
If you want this to be a complete DIY project, then the first thing that you need to do is see if you will need Google Cardboard Version 1 or Version 2. You can do this by knowing the size of your phone and if your phone is bigger than a Nexus 6, then you need Version 2. You can find the instructions to build Version 1 here at the bottom of the page and Version 2 here. The instructions are pretty simple. You will need Velcro, Cardboard, an exacto knife, some 25mm and 35mm lenses, glue, and an adhesive to stick the template to the cardboard. Cut out the cardboard to match the template and then put the pieces together as shown in the diagram. In Version one you will also need to have a magnet, which you will find out what type and what to do with it in the instructions.
Adding Fitness Capability
Instead of covering how to make a Google Cardboard device, we’re going to show you how to make it good for fitness. There are plenty of tutorials on how to make a Google Cardboard, but close to zero on modifying it for fitness needs.
Keep it on Your Head
Once you have made your Google Cardboard, it’s time to turn it into something you can wear in whatever position you end up in. For instance, being able to do push-ups or jogging or swinging on a swing set. All that is required is a nice set of backpack straps, which you can purchase in nearly every major retailer. If you are looking to not spend a lot of money, then you can purchase something like these.
In the area where your phone sits, you can either cut in two edges where the straps will sit on either side or, to make it more permanent, you will need two holes; one on either side. Feed the straps through the holes and then fasten them to fit your head. The idea is to feed the backpack straps through the open area of the Google Cardboard behind the phone’s screen and then fasten the straps around your head in an X-formation at the back of your head. This will ensure that the VR viewer is secured to your head fairly tightly so that you can do most activities without having to worry about it falling off, but remember that the cheaper the straps you buy will ultimately determine how long they stay fasten to your head.
Sweat Plus Cardboard Equals Mush
When you are sweating on cardboard, you will eventually find that it is either etching into your face or you are turning it into a pile of mush. For this part, you will need hot glue and 2″ wide tape. Put hot glue around the edges that come in contact with your face and then cover the hot glue with the tape very carefully so as to not burn yourself. The hot glue will prevent the tape from coming off and the tape will prevent the device from being soaked in your sweat. Once the hot glue has dried, you can then wrap as much as you can in tape so as to protect the remainder of the device.
Making Sure Your Phone Doesn’t Fall Out Easily
While the straps may keep the phone inside of the Google Cardboard for the most part, sometimes you just want to make sure your phone isn’t going to just fall out. This is another easy addition. You will see that many of the tutorials for this suggest magnets, but if you know anything about computers and magnets then you will know this isn’t the best of ideas.
Instead, you’ll wanted to add some snaps to your Google Cardboard, but there are a lot of ways to do this. The best way is to use one of the snaps hand press tools so that you can add snaps by simply pressing down with the tool. You will want to add two or four to the side that you use the velcro to shut in your phone. Along with the Velcro, these snaps will provide an extra layer of resistance to make sure your phone stays in that small box.
